Just weeks before the much-awaited Asia Cup 2025, Team India has been hit by a major sponsorship shake-up. Fantasy sports giant Dream11, which had held the title sponsorship rights since 2023, has officially withdrawn its association with the Indian cricket team. The decision came in the wake of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which banned real-money gaming platforms across the country.
With no legal leeway left, Dream11 was forced to exit, leaving BCCI scrambling to find a new partner. This unexpected turn has opened the door for fresh contenders. According to an NDTV report, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, Toyota Motor Corporation, and a leading fintech start-up have already shown strong interest in bagging the prestigious sponsorship rights.
For these brands, associating with Indian cricket is more than just visibility—it’s a gateway to unmatched reach and fan engagement. Dream11’s association with BCCI was sealed in 2023 with a deal worth INR 358 crore, which included INR 3 crore per home game and INR 1 crore per away fixture.
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However, the government’s strict stance on online gaming abruptly ended the partnership. The timing couldn’t have been more dramatic, as the Asia Cup kicks off on September 9 in the UAE, with matches scheduled in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development, stating that the board will always abide by national laws.
Dream11 has withdrawn as Team India’s official sponsor. What does this mean for the team and the sponsorship landscape in Indian cricket?#ViratKohli #TeamIndia #Dream11 #CricketNews #SportsBusiness pic.twitter.com/HzqU5WEYkq
— Six Sports India (@SixSportsIndia) August 25, 2025
“If it’s not permissible, we won’t do anything. BCCI will follow every central government policy. Our partnership with Dream11 ends here, and we won’t engage with such organizations in future,” he clarified.
With Dream11 stepping away, BCCI is now working swiftly to secure a replacement. Insiders suggest the board is confident of landing a deal that surpasses the financial package offered by Dream11. Reliance Jio, already a heavyweight in Indian sports sponsorships, could further strengthen its dominance by partnering directly with Team India.
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Meanwhile, Toyota, with past cricket sponsorship experience, and the fintech start-up are equally keen to capitalise on cricket’s enormous brand value. If a deal isn’t finalised in time, Team India could take the field in the Asia Cup without a lead sponsor—a rare sight in modern cricket. Interestingly, jerseys with Dream11’s logo were already printed, but the BCCI has confirmed they will not be used in the tournament.
